TOWIE, glittery nails, facials and lots of doggy ice-cream: The booming world of pet grooming

Rachel Mainwaring steps into the growing world of dog grooming with a visit to the Pawfection Pet Boutique salon in Barry

Michelle Inch with her chihuahua Peekaboo at Pawfection Pet Boutique in Barry

After a long walk in the park, what could be better than a nice application of glittery nail polish, a relaxing facial and a tasty bowl of ice-cream?

Maybe even get that matted hair untangled with a lovely smelling herbal shampoo and conditioner before getting a spray of Kennel number 5.

It’s certainly a dog’s life – and these are just some of the treatments on offer at pet salon Pawfection Pet Boutique in Barry.

Owner Michelle Inch, 25, only opened it three months ago but business is booming.

Her diary is jam-packed with clients wanting to offer their dogs a special treatment and she sells her products, which include specially-made doggy ice-cream, winter booties and even sparkly dog necklaces, to pet lovers all over the world.

But Prince’s Trust ambassador Michelle, mum to six-year-old Brooke, says her shop is far more than just a gimmick for dog lovers and she has worked tirelessly to ensure all the products are non-toxic and doggy friendly.

She said: “I’m animal mad and have always had a soft spot for pets. I grew up around animals and have owned both dogs, cats and horses from a very young age.

“I own two rescue cats called Moo and Bucket, labrador Archie, standard poodle Fernando and my chihuahua Peekaboo, as well as a hamster called Scrat and two horses.

"I didn’t want to just do a six-week course in grooming so I’ve studied to make sure I can offer the best animal-friendly treatment. I did a National Diploma in Animal Management including vet nursing, nutrition and farming. Then I went on to study dog grooming and was lucky enough to work for a groomers for two years while at college.

“I ended up landing a job as head of livestock at Pets At Home. I loved the dog grooming so much that I started up my own successful grooming salon aged 18 and was just waiting to find a unit here in Barry. I thought it would take me at least three years to build it up but I’ve been amazed by the response.

"I started out at 18, and worked from my mum’s house but when she became poorly, they had to sell up, but I’m really enjoying being here. We are so busy. I’ve been working flat out, which is great. I’m looking forward to Christmas and I’m going to paint the outside all green and red to get in the festive spirit.”

The boutique sells everything from dog food, tasty ice cream and doggy cup cakes. It also sells dog clothing and jewellery as well as providing services such as microchipping and tear stain removal, from £10.

And there is, of course, the pampered pet spa, which offers relaxing massages and facials for dogs of all sizes.

Pampered pooches can also be treated to a variety of fun and colourful fur dyes and glitter designs, costing between £60 and £100.

The salon – which is kitted out with a diamante chandelier, polished granite flooring, and plush French furniture – even has a luxury walk-in wetroom.

And Michelle also offers a range of glittery nail paint manicures and brightly coloured claw caps, with prices starting at £5.

“Claw caps are like fake nails for dogs. They’re bright and fun, and also protect your household floors from scratches from their nails. The facial helps to remove tear stains from their faces and also is really relaxing for the dog – it sends them to sleep. It’s particularly good for stressed dogs who might be a bit worked up. We also do a soothing paw treatment which they love.”

Michelle ensures that all the products are non-toxic and says most dogs love to be pampered.

“People come in to have their nails painted to match an outfit they are wearing or for a special occasion. It’s just a bit of fun and the dogs really do enjoy it. And all the materials are safe to use on dogs. I’d never consider using anything that wasn’t safe. They are my main priority. People love their dogs. They are members of the family so why shouldn’t they be pampered and spoilt every now and then”

Michelle’ s boutique, on Park Road, also sells wedding outfits, quirky fancy dress costumes, lifejackets and even hiking boots for dogs of all sizes, all of which are proving very popular with online sales. Some of the dog accessories include charms for their collars and customised collars, leads and harnesses.

Many of the cast of ITV2 reality TV show The Only Way is Essex have bought goods from her and she’s recently sold products to America, Australia, Portugal and Spain.

“My most popular products at the moment are definitely my range of dog jumpers and coats. We have little cashmere jumpers that retail at £9.99 that have been popular and I also stock two types of coats which are good for the winter. Some are like little wax jackets and the others are more like ski-wear.

“I’m also hoping the new jewellery range is a good one for Christmas. It’s basically necklaces for dogs, they’re really pretty and sparkly. I’m hoping to bring in more products for the higher end of the market too, as well as for bigger dogs. Why should they miss out on the fun?”

As well as running the pet salon and boutique, Michelle is also a motivational speaker for youngsters after being nominated by MP Alun Cairns to become an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust.

“It’s nice to give advice to other people as I never had that when I was setting up my own business,” she said.

“I hold question and answer sessions about setting up a business and I help them with other things too.

“Hopefully I can inspire other people to set up their own businesses. We have so many empty shop properties in Barry alone I think it would be great to inspire some people that you can start your own business as I did.”

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